Goosehead vs Brightway vs an independent network

NameFees / requirementsAppointments / ownershipContract / exitSources
Goosehead InsuranceFranchise fee typically $50,000; total initial investment $66,000–$111,500; ongoing new-business and renewal royalty feesFranchisees use Goosehead's carrier appointments; Goosehead retains ultimate ownership of policiesTen-year franchise agreement[1] [2]
Brightway InsuranceFranchise fee $25,000, or $10,000 via fee-forgiveness program (500 new policies + 3 producers in 12 months); no contract renewal feenot publishedCan transfer to family/successor with no added franchise fee[1]
Smart ChoiceNo joining, monthly, maintenance or exit fees; 70/30 split on program business, 100% after 'Leadership Level' capAgency keeps 100% ownership of book, renewals, expirationsOne-year agreement, auto annual renewal[1] [2]
Ironpeak (formerly The Iroquois Group)No initiation, franchise, monthly dues or termination feesMembers write directly with each carrier using own code; agency name on policies; no equity takenMembers may sell agency to whomever, whenever[1] [2] [3]
The plain-English take: Franchises cost more up front (Goosehead $50,000 typical franchise fee; Brightway $25,000, or $10,000 with fee forgiveness) and take ongoing royalties, in exchange for a brand and back office. Goosehead's own filing says it keeps ultimate ownership of the policies. Networks like Smart Choice and Ironpeak publish no joining fees and say you keep 100% of your agency.

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Facts are taken from the cited sources and can change. Always read the actual contract.